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Ian

“Variant of John — God is gracious” — Hebrew via Greek, Latin, and Old French origin

Boy's name · #83 in the US (2025) · 2000s

Ian reached #65 in 2003 and has eased to #83 since. About 258,000 boys have carried it since 1912.

Around the world: #11 in Puerto Rico (2025) · #64 in Spain (2024).

Appears in 2020-2025 birth records of 50 states. See the full state-by-state map on this page.

Famous Ians

• Ian Fleming — British author (1908–1964)
• Ian McKellen — British actor (born 1939)
• Ian McShane — English actor (born 1942)
• Ian Somerhalder — American actor (born 1978)
• Ian McEwan — British author (born 1948)

In stories & tradition

• Ian Malcolm — Jurassic Park · The Lost World: Jurassic Park
• Ian Chesterton — Doctor Who
• Ian Beale — EastEnders

What Ians become

Among 4,779 notable people named Ian:

Sports figures appear 1.63× more often than among typical names — e.g. Ian Thorpe, Australian swimmer.

Similar names: John · Nathaniel · Yahya · Caleb · Evan · Nathan

Browse more boy names — popularity, trends and eras for 5,700+ American names, free.

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